I use the fresh brain theory by posting objective first thing and discussing what we will arrive at today thus using backwards chaining at the same time
I have found that simply providing an answer to students' questions satisfies their immediate need without engaging long term memory. If I have them actively involved in the answer, for example, search the internet for an answer and talk about what they have found, then long term memory occurs.
I agree that presenting topics in different ways promotes learning. I like tyo use life experiences, and student life experiences as a learning tool. I like to use pictures and mannequins for demonstrations. See one, learn one, teach one. Students coaching other students can be very productive.
I think you could ask them for an example of something specific. Discuss that example, then relate it to the steps or break it down into the concepts.
Joseph,
I think this is a great idea as it provides even more opportunities for the hands on.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I will definitely structure classes to take advantage of Primacy, Recency, Uniqueness, Emotion, Visual, and Information Chunking. Incorporating a review at the end of each class to bring all concepts together is will be beneficial and provide a second opportunity to understand the material
When using memory techniques the key should be to make the involved and viable. Application of content to real world examples lends to the notion that the material is useful, memorable, and applicable. As there are three types of memory, working, short and long term the idea is to play to the usefulness of the long term memory and have the students work the item into their minds.
We normally have class time and lab time but I think I will bring more equipment in during lecture so they can see and feel it while I am discussing the equipment.
Curtis,
yes & this can come as we help them with the motivation to learn & the "why" of the material.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Students have to develop an ownership of the learning before the learning will be applied meaningfully.
Jack,
this is a good idea as it keeps all involved accountable for the learning process.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
i might try to put the goals out or on the board and them review the goals and then teach the class and see if any can rember the goals at the end of class.
Jon-Paul,
this really is a great way to generate some excitement & motivation for the day.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Instead of just giving a demonstration and lecture I will add ingredients for the class to touch and smell. I also like the idea of having a learning game that will engage the entire class.
I would use visual aids that catch attention with repetition of the subject matter before and after the class along with the new material covered that day.
In the class student success, I teach a variety of memory strategies in which the students use for future classes. We discuss mnemonic devices, chunking, rhymes, stories, etc. To start off my memory lesson, I engage the students in "The Marvelous Memory Bag Exercise," in which 25 items are taken out of the bag, placed on a table in front of the room. After all 25 items are then placed back in the bag, the students are asked to write write on a sheet of paper as many items that they can recall. This then leads to a discussion on what strategies they used to remember the items that they did. As I proceed with the lecture, I incorporate different ways in which they may make use of the memory strategies. It is a fun lesson.
i like the idea of creating a need, listing 2 of the 3 important items and build up curiosity
I will try reduce the number of words in my individual posts. This will put less focus on 'teaching' and spend more time trying to get students to not only understand the material, but to work on group assignments, research the topic and then restate it to the class. I hope that this will help with memory/retention so that they are looking at the same topic several times.
Holly,
these are great ideas & really the starting with objectives & goals is a great way to prepare the learners.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I start each class with the learning objectives and focus on the end result and why we are learning this material. I realize I need to pay more attention to the learning environment and do something different each class - change the seating arrangement, use different teaching models and pictures/diagrams,etc. I will also use different colors and have students use more personal examples that tie emotions more to their learning.
